Table Of Contents:
- What is a UK Visitor Visa Extension
- UK Visitor Visa Extension Requirements
- If You Need to Stay Longer for Medical Treatment
- Documents Required for Visa Extension Due to Medical Treatment
- If You Need a UK Visitor Visa Extension as an Academic
- Visiting the UK as an Academic for More Than 6 Months
- Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa Extension as an Academic
- If You Need a UK Visitor Visa Extension to Retake the PLAB Test
- How to Apply
- Final Thoughts
In usual circumstances, UK visitor visa extension is not allowed. The UK visitor visa lasts for up to 6 months only, and you must leave the UK at the end of your visit. However, if you have a genuine reason to stay further in the UK, you can apply for an extension provided the total length of your stay does not exceed 6 months. For example, if your initial visa was valid for 2 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 4 more months. For a UK visitor visa extension, you have to meet the eligibility requirements again.
In this blog, we will discuss what the options are for UK visitors for extending their stay in the UK.
What is a UK Visitor Visa Extension?
A UK visitor visa extension lets you stay beyond the initial leave granted to you. Even though an extension is approved the total length of your stay, including the extension, cannot exceed 6 months. In certain limited circumstances you can apply for an extension of a further 6 months.
These circumstances include:
- Medical treatment.
- You need to stay longer as an academic.
- Retaking the PLAB test in the UK.
The UK visitor visa does not allow switching to another visa except for a UK fiancé visa. However, you can apply for a long-term standard visitor visa that allows you a leave of up to 2, 5, and 10 years. On each visit to the UK, you can stay here for up to 6 months only. However, you can leave the UK and enter the UK again without applying for a visitor visa again.
For a UK visitor visa extension, you must meet the eligibility requirements, submit the necessary documents, and pay the required fee. You must apply for an extension before the end of your current visa.
UK Visitor Visa Extension Requirements
To be eligible to extend your visitor visa, you must show the Home Office that your reason for staying longer is valid and that you intend to leave the UK at the end of the extended period. Some key points include:
1. Genuine Reasons –
You need to have a genuine reason for extension of your visa. For example, if your return or onward flight is canceled or if you need more time due to a medical emergency. You must prove the genuine reason.
2. Evidence of Ties to Your Home Country –
You must show that you have strong ties to your home country. This could be a job, family, or property.
3. No Intention to Settle –
You need to prove that you are not planning to settle permanently in the UK. The visitor visa is not for long-term residence.
4. Support yourself and your Dependents Financially –
You need to prove that you or someone else supporting you will be able to fund your stay in and onward or return journey from the UK.
If You Need to Stay Longer for Medical Treatment
If you are in the UK, you can apply for a UK visitor visa extension of another 6 months for medical treatment. You can apply to extend as many times as required.
For an extension, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You have paid the fee for any treatment you have already taken in the UK.
- You can and will pay the further costs of your treatment.
- You meet the eligibility requirements as standard visitor for medical treatment.
Documents Required for Visa Extension Due to Medical Treatment
You need to get a UK-registered doctor or NHS consultant to give details of your medical condition that require further treatment. If you are getting treatment at an NHS hospital through a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you must also provide an authorization form from your home country’s government stating they will cover the costs of your treatment.
If You Need a UK Visitor Visa Extension as an Academic
If you are an academic, researcher, or scientist:
- You can carry out research independently or as part of your job.
- You can participate in an arrangement for formal exchange with UK counterparts.
If you are a dentist or senior doctor:
- You can take part in research.
- You can teach if it’s not a permanent teaching post.
- You can undertake clinical practice as long as it is not a permanent position.
Visiting the UK as an Academic for More Than 6 Months
You can apply for a UK standard visa to visit the UK for up to 12 months as an academic. You can also visit the UK as an academic for 6 months and apply for a UK visitor visa extension of another 6 months. You need to meet the basic eligibility requirements for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Additionally, to extend from 6 to 12 months as an academic, you must show that:
- You have very strong qualifications, usually a PhD or higher.
- You currently work in your field of expertise at an institution abroad.
- You are not taking a permanent teaching job in the UK.
If you’re an academic (but not a senior doctor or dentist), you also need to prove you’re here to do research or take part in an official exchange program.
If you are a senior doctor or dentist, you must show you’re coming to do research, clinical work, a formal exchange, or to teach.
Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa Extension as an Academic
You must prove that you are eligible for a visa extension. For this, you can submit documents such as a letter from
- Your employer with the start and end dates of your sabbatical or exchange.
- Your employer describing the research you will do.
- The UK host organization confirming the arrangements for your research, exchange, or clinical practice.
If You Need a UK Visitor Visa Extension to Retake the PLAB Test
If you’re already in the UK, you can apply for an extension of up to 6 months to retake the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test. The General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK conducts this assessment test for international medical graduates who are looking to practice medicine in the UK.
You must submit a written letter from the General Medical Council confirming you’re retaking the PLAB test. If you pass the PLAB test, you may be eligible to stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total for an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post.
How to Apply?
You can apply for an extension of your UK standard visitor visa from within the UK only. You need to follow the below steps:
- Apply Online – You need to make the application online.
- Pay the Application Fee – You need to pay £1,100 for a UK standard visitor visa extension application.
- Upload the Supporting Documents – As part of the application, you need to upload the supporting documents proving you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Enroll Your Biometric Information – You need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application and Service) center. On the appointment date, you need to enroll your biometric information (your fingerprints and photograph) to prove your identity. If you have not uploaded your documents online, you can get them scanned at the UKVCAS center.
- Wait for the Decision – It may take a few weeks to get a decision on your UK visitor visa extension application. However, you can apply for super priority service to get a decision at the end of the next day.
Final Thoughts
UK visitor visa extension is not simple. The visitor visa is meant for short stays. However, life can change unexpectedly, and you might need to stay for longer than the initial permission to stay in the UK. In such situations, you need to understand your options and plan carefully. Whether you choose to extend your visitor visa, switch to another visa category (if allowed), go back home and reapply, or apply on humanitarian grounds, make sure you have a strong case and all the documents you need.
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